Sycamore Valley Elementary Shark Bites Newsletter |
|
|
Message from Principal Kawahara February 27, 2025 |
|
|
2nd Grade Panda’s Dear Sycamore Valley Families:
I hope you and your family are well. This has been a busy week with a lot of coming and going! Fourth graders went on a field trip to Sacramento and the fifth graders attending Charlotte Wood next year went on a field trip to Charlotte Wood (fifth graders attending Diablo Vista next year will visit campus in May). Meanwhile our TK kiddos are learning about the Magic C (thus named because once you can write a “C” you have the base for a lot of other letters), Kinder kiddos are learning about animals in winter, first grade has started a unit on geometry, second grade is learning about heroes, third grade has been busy designing their dream houses and all of the students have been working on their African American Showcase project highlighting Olympians. Stop by the MPR Friday afterschool to check it out - the student projects always amaze and inform!
Keep reading for some dates to remember, some reminders and district updates. Dates to Remember: 02/28 - African American Showcase - MPR -2:30pm 03/03 - Classes will visit the African American Showcase in the MPR
03/03-03/07 - Words Matter Week 03/04 - Teen Esteem Assembly - K - 5th grades 03/07 - Family STEAM Enrichment Night 03/10-03/13 - Staff Appreciation Week 03/14 - No School 03/19-03/21 - Conference Days - AM TK- 8:00-10:30
- PM TK- 9:30-12:00
- All Kinder 8:00-10:30
-
ALL 1st-5th Grades 8:00-12:00
03/24-03/30 - Sycamore’s Online Auction
03/26 - 5th Grade Math Placement Test - 1:00pm - MPR 03/31 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #1 04/03 - Variety Show - 6:00pm - MPR 04/07-04/11 - No School - Spring Break 04/15 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #2
March Schedule At A Glance Reminder: State Testing (CAASPP) from 04/28/2025-05/16/2025: Please make sure your 3rd-5th graders are here for testing!
March Read Aloud: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires March Read Aloud-Final Drop Off/Pick Up reminder:
Please remember that supervision begins at 7:45 a.m. For safety reasons we ask that you do not drop your child off before this time. District Updates: March Resolutions and Resources Women’s History Month
San Ramon Valley Unified School District recognizes the month of March as Women’s History Month. Women of every race and ethnic background have contributed to our country’s triumphs and accomplishments in countless ways and continue to play critical roles in the economic, cultural, and social spheres of our nation. Women of diverse backgrounds have served as leaders at the forefront of every major progressive social change movement and although their efforts have been overlooked or undervalued in the past, they hold an important place in the body of American and world history.
Arts Education Month
San Ramon Valley Unified School District recognizes the month of March as Arts Education Month. Education in the arts is an indispensable part of basic education for all students to enhance their understanding of the world and to develop to their full potential. Instruction in the arts helps children foster creativity, self-expression, and discipline. The arts are also important repositories of culture and experience. SRVUSD is proud to focus on the value of arts education, especially during the month of March.
Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month
San Ramon Valley Unified School District recognizes the month of March as Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month. Prescription medications such as stimulants, sedatives, and opioids hold powerful medical benefits however can have serious consequences and additive risks. Overdoses are on the rise in our community, county and nation. SRVUSD participates in the CA Department of Health Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project and district schools have a stock of the opioid overdose rescue medication Naloxone. SRVUSD encourages drug abuse awareness, education, and prevention of all citizens.
Please keep reading for some upcoming event information, important dates and other PTA/Shark Fund News. Thank you, Patricia Kawahara Principal |
|
|
Important Dates to Remember |
|
|
02/28 - African American Showcase - MRP - 2:30pm-Everyone is Welcome!
02/28 - Deadline to sign up for the Variety Show (see information below) 03/03-03/07 - Words Matter Week
03/04 - Teen Esteem Assembly - Grades: K - 5th
03/06 - Site Council Meeting - 4:00pm - Virtual 03/07 - Family STEAM Enrichment Night - MPR
03/10-03/13 - Staff Appreciation Week 03/12 - Sharky Cinema - 12:50-2:30pm
03/14 - No School 03/19-03/21 - Conference Days - Minimum Schedule - AM TK- 8:00-10:30
-
PM TK- 9:30-12:00
- All Kinder 8:00-10:30
- ALL 1st-5th Grades 8:00-12:00
03/20 - Dyslexia Simulation event - 6:00 - 7:30pm - District Office
03/24-03/30 - Online Auction 03/26 - Sharky Fit Club - 1:00pm
03/26 - 5th Grade Math Placement Test for Middle School - 1:00pm - MPR
03/31 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #1 04/02 - Variety Show Dress Rehearsal 1:00 PM in MPR
04/03 - Variety Show 6:00 PM in MPR 04/07 - 04/11 - Spring Break 04/15 - 2nd Grade Speak Up & Be Safe Assembly #2 |
|
|
Reminder:
If you need to drop-off items for your child or their teacher, Please call the school office when you arrive at the main gate. (925) 855-2800 |
|
|
Attendance Line Please call the attendance line to report
your child's absence:
925-855-2898
AR 5113 States that all absences which are not cleared within two days after a student's return to school shall be recorded as unexcused (CUT). |
|
|
Help us raise $50K during our Shark Fund Online Auction! We’re planning for our biggest fundraiser of the year - the Shark Fund Online Auction, March 24-30, 2025!
DONATE TO OUR AUCTION!
From weekend getaways to sports tickets, culinary experiences to unique talents—whatever you've got, we want it! Your generous donations make a huge difference in supporting our school. Click here to donate: https://ourschool.auction/sycamore2025
_______________________________________________________________ Calling All Sycamore Families: What treasures do YOU have to contribute? Whether it's a getaway, tickets, or your unique skills, your donations help make our auction a success! Spread the word to grandparents and friends. Every contribution counts!
______________________________________________________________
HOST A SYCAMORE SOCIAL - MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Parents, your kids need you! Hosting a Sycamore Social isn't just a party—it's supporting education and building community. With events raising $2,000 - $7,000 each, your impact is huge! We need hosts for adult, kid, or family socials. Contact Adele Young at sycamorevalley.edfund@srvef.org to sign up. Let's make memories and a difference!
Please reach out to sycamorevalley.edfund@srvef.org with any questions |
|
|
OUR VARIETY SHOW IS BACK FOR 2025 AND WE ARE EXCITED!!
Does your child love to perform on stage? Would they like to present an entertaining act of their choice in front of an audience? Solo or in a group, we would love to see your rising star showcased in this year’s Sycamore Valley Variety Show!
2025 Variety Show Information
IMPORTANT 2025 VARIETY SHOW DATES: Deadline to submit Registration and Music: Friday, February 28th Variety Show Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, April 2nd at 1:00 PM in MPR
Variety Show: Thursday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM in MPR
Please read the attached "2025 VARIETY SHOW Info" document for all information pertaining to this year’s show and how to get your act signed up in time! If you have any questions, please contact Variety Show Directors Marisa Montierth and Kali Fama
(marisamontierth@gmail.com, kalifama@hotmail.com) |
|
|
| African American Showcase:
|
|
|
African American Showcase:
Please join us for Sycamore Valley’s 5th Annual African American History Showcase on Friday, February 28th from 2:30-3:30 in the MPR. This year’s theme, Breaking Barriers: Celebrating African American Olympians and Paralympians will focus on the perseverance and determination of African Americans to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. All Sycamore students are hard at work creating materials that showcase these extraordinary athletes. We hope to see you there!
Highlights Will Include: - Exhibits featuring student artwork, informational posters, and projects
-
Posters presented by SLAM students
- Take-your-own podium photos
- Olympic-themed activities
- Olympic crafts
- Interactive scavenger hunt with prizes
We are looking for volunteers to help with this fun, educational event! Please use this Sign-Up Genius Link to volunteer either with set-up, during the event, or organizing student materials after the event. |
|
|
Sycamore PTA Family STEAM Enrichment Night Save the date! TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!
Come join us for our first ever Sycamore PTA Family STEAM Enrichment Night- Friday March 7th from 6:30-8pm at the Sycamore MPR.
Tickets are $10 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is not a drop off event. Space is limited.
Tickets are available starting Thursday, February 20th here:
https://sycamorevalley.futurefund.com/store/campaigns/45841-family-steam-enrichment?c=1
If you would like to volunteer to be a part of the Family STEAM Night Planning Committee, please email
steamenrichment@sycamorevalleypta.org. |
|
|
Click here for the Spiritwear Sale
Shark Spirit Clothing Sale - This week only, save 25% on all bags, including duffel bags, drawstring bags and totes! Don't miss this opportunity to save on Sycamore Valley Elementary School merch!
In addition, all orders over $75 will receive free shipping. Shop Now!
Store Link: https://1stplace. FREE SHIPPING $75+ |
|
|
Sharky Fit Club -
Ready to start your child’s journey to become fit for life? We started Sharky Fit Club on Wednesdays after Dippin Dots in MPR! Sharky Fit Club will be a 20 min overlook of Danville Gymnastics program combining strength and coordination of the athlete with the elegance of dancing. We will practice yoga poses, dance steps, tumbling such as forward/backward rolls, and sometimes (depending on attendance) handstands, cartwheels, walkovers & more! All levels welcome. Kids will become stronger in core, improving flexibility, muscle tone, coordination & balance.
Please bring a yoga mat to use in the MPR.
Permission Slip attached.
Future Classes: March 26
More dates will be announced soon.
For more information, contact Deniz Ozek at deniz.c.ozek@gmail.com |
|
|
In-person Dyslexia Simulation -
An Interactive Event for Families & Staff
The SRV Council of PTAs' Exceptional Education Committee is hosting an in-person, interactive workshop that will help individuals gain a better understanding of and empathy for children and adults with dyslexia. Leaders of Decoding Dyslexia CA’s Tri-Valley Dyslexia Support Group will facilitate the experience. Thursday, March 20, 2025
6:00 to 7:30pm in the Board Room at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Education Center - 699 Old Orchard Rd., Danville, CA 94526
Please REGISTER to attend so that we have enough materials for everyone and can plan accordingly.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that makes learning to read, spell and write difficult. Participants will be guided through a series of exercises that simulate how those with dyslexia experience reading, writing and processing information in the classroom.
The experience is designed for adults, but families with older children may wish to participate together. Guests from other school districts are welcome! |
|
|
SF Giants Camp
Giants Baseball Camps is running several week long sessions of camp this summer and they are offering friends and family of Sycamore Valley Elementary an exclusive $75 discount on the cost of enrollment!
Giants Camps is filled with week long friendly competitions that encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and enhances the love for the game of baseball. Our curriculum caters to boys and girls, ages 4-14 and embraces all skill levels. Giants Camps will have a reunion event at Oracle Park where we invite Camp families to watch and cheer on our Giants!
To view locations and access this exclusive promotion, please visit WWW.SFGIANTSCAMPS.COM and enter SVE75 in the promo code section of the application. This promotion will expire on March 7th, 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact San Francisco Giants Baseball Camps at 415-800-2014 or via email at info@sfgiantscamps.com. |
|
|
YEARBOOK SYCAMORE FAMILIES!! WE NEED YOUR PICTURES! There is a new yearbook site for sharing pictures, it's user friendly and simple. When pictures are submitted please add event, grade, student names and teacher. You can't tell us too much. The more pictures you share the better the yearbook will be! |
|
|
BOOK CLUB: 3rd-5th and 1st-2nd
BOOK CLUB 3rd-5th grade
The next book club meeting is on Wednesday, March 19th, from 12-1pm in the library. Please note that this falls during conference week with minimum days, so the book club will be at 12 noon (instead of the usual 1pm). We will be discussing the books The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead, and Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. For any questions, please contact Jyoti (rekhij@gmail.com).
BOOK CLUB 1st-2nd grade
Our first book club for 1st and 2nd graders will be next month! The books to read for the first meeting are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and Magic Treehouse #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osburne. The first book club meeting will be Tuesday, March 4 at 2:30-3:30pm at the school library. For any questions, please contact Raj (rajiedeol@gmail.com).
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS:
The book list is now available for Battle of the Books! Please contact Nida Qadeer nuq101@gmail.com for the book list and any questions about the program. STEAM ART:
Signups for November-May STEAM Art classes have gone out. For any questions, please contact Kristina ( kristinabuskirk@gmail.com). Due to the large response to this class, new student sign ups are now closed for the year. MATH OLYMPIAD:
We have now completed 3 out of the 5 contests for the year. Congratulations to Contest 2 top scorers, Karthik J.& Jaden G., and Contest 3 top scorers, Karthik J., Saanvi L., & Richard Li.! Two more contests left for the year, which will be conducted in February and March. WORDMASTERS:
Our Wordmasters 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th graders recently completed the 2nd Challenge. 2 down, 1 to go! Congratulations to 2nd/3rd graders Skylah T. (perfect score!), Luke S., Vihaan K., Kyle Z. and 4th/5th Graders Karthik J., Lauren E., Griffin R., Daniel K., Lohith H. for the highest scores on Challenge 2.
Challenge Set 3 will be distributed around February 24 and our students will take Challenge 3 between March 28 and April 18. For any questions, please email Kathryn Rapp, Wordmasters Coordinator, at kathryn.montilla@gmail.com.
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND:
Our talented team of 3rd/4th/5th graders -- Karthik J., Richard L., Zoe L., Warren C., Satvik C., Derek W., Anirudh J. -- won 2nd place in the Northern California Regional Tournament that took place last weekend in Sacramento! The team has been working together since last October, exemplifying remarkable creativity and teamwork. Congratulations and good luck to the team as they move on to compete at the State finals on March 8th!!
|
|
|
Be A Mentor: Volunteer Clearance - Reminder We ask all of our parents/guardians to register w/ Be A Mentor for level #1 - general volunteer. This clearance will allow you to be on campus and/or in the classroom with the children.
Here is the link to sign up. Be A Mentor Click on the New Volunteers Apply Now on the bottom right side of the page. A TB test is a new requirement. The risk assessment form is to be completed by your doctor. You will need to upload, to your Be A Mentor account, either the completed risk assessment form or the negative TB test result form from your doctor.
|
|
|
| Dippin’ Dot Calendar: Mar. 12, 26 |
|
|
Dippin Dot Pre-pay Punch Cards are Back!
Punch cards can be purchased for $25.00.
Prepay for 5 Dippin' Dots, get one free Save time in line No need to bring money to school Families can share one card 100% of proceeds benefit your students at Sycamore |
|
|
Thank you Danville Police Officers for spending time with our students at lunch recess. I think the officers had as much fun as the students. |
|
|
School Site Council Update |
|
|
Please refer to Peach Jar for after school enrichment opportunities that are offered for Sycamore students. Sycamore Valley Peach Jar |
|
|
With the change of weather our lost and found is growing!! Take a look at the Rack and in the Yellow Bin.
You may be surprised and find a sweatshirt / jacket / or sweater that you did not know was left behind.
Please make sure that your child's name is marked on their clothing. Smaller Lost & Found items are in the Office.
Water Bottles and Lunch Boxes are on the shelf in the MPR. |
|
|
You are receiving this email because your email address is associated with
Sycamore Valley Elementary
2200 Holbrook Dr., Danville, CA 94506
(925) 855-2800 |
Statement of Confidentiality:
The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee. The information may also be confidential and/or legally privileged. This transmission is sent for the sole purpose of delivery to the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, any use, reproduction, or dissemination of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message and its attachments, if any.
(Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC SS 2510-2521) |
|
|
|
